Chapter Thirty-Four: My Little General

Rong Xian’er hopped and skipped her way to the Jiang residence, her heart brimming with joy at the thought of finally tasting a delicious bowl of noodles.

But who could have guessed...

“Get lost! Where did this little beggar come from, daring to ask for our Third Young Master?” A servant of the Jiang household snapped, slamming the door shut with a bang.

“Beggar? Hey, my clothes are brand new, can’t you tell? How do I look like a beggar?” Rong Xian’er planted her fists on her hips and plopped herself down boldly in front of the Jiang residence.

“If you won’t let me in, I’ll just have to go in anyway. You think you can block my way to food? Not a chance!” She got up and circled the estate, quickly spotting that the west wall was the lowest. With both hands and a bit of effort, she climbed right over.

With a thud, Ming Chu, who had been dozing off on the garden swing, was startled awake. A green-clad girl scrambled up from the ground, her eyes darting curiously about.

“And you are...?”

Rong Xian’er grinned. “Did I scare you?”

“A little,” Ming Chu admitted honestly.

“I’m Rong Xian’er. I’m looking for Jiang Zhenyuan. Do you know him?”

“Jiang Zhenyuan?”

“Yes, Jiang Zhenyuan—the one who’s especially ‘far away,’” she joked.

Ming Chu burst out laughing; surely Jiang Zhenyuan had tricked her with that. She blinked. “Actually, he’s not far at all. I’ll take you to him right away.”

Rong Xian’er clapped her hands. “Great! He promised to treat me to noodles. I can’t wait!”

Ming Chu had thought Jiang Zhenyuan was at home, but upon asking, she learned he’d gone to the western outskirts to train with the troops.

“Oh, I remember now. He passed the martial exam a few days ago; he’s been at the western outskirts most days.”

Rong Xian’er scratched her head. “Then let’s go find him there.”

“I’d love to, but I have to study soon, so I don’t have time to go with you.”

“Then I’ll go by myself. What’s your name?”

“Ming Chu. Jiang Zhenyuan is my brother,” she replied with a smile. “He’s very wealthy—he’ll definitely buy you lots of good things to eat.”

“Wonderful!”

The western outskirts were reserved exclusively for the training of the palace guards, and so were heavily guarded. Jiang Zhenyuan had recently been granted the rank of Captain of the Guards and had been assigned there immediately. Always jovial and playful, he quickly blended in with the ordinary guards.

The summer heat was relentless, and though the western outskirts were shaded by trees, they offered little respite from the sweltering air that pressed in from all directions. As luck would have it, a supervisor was visiting that day, so Jiang Zhenyuan dared not let the men slacken.

“Everyone up, keep training,” he urged those resting under the trees. With sweat on their brows and reluctance in their steps, the group slowly assembled.

“Today’s training will focus on building stamina. Split into two groups—one to practice with stone locks, the other with striking wooden stakes. All right, begin!” Jiang Zhenyuan commanded.

“Yes, sir!”

The oldest of those he trained was no more than twenty. Some had become guards to earn a good wage and support their families; others dreamed of climbing higher one day.

Jiang Zhenyuan paced among them. Truth be told, on such a stifling day, he could have given instructions and retreated indoors to rest, but he felt it would be disloyal to enjoy comfort alone.

“Train well, everyone—tonight dinner’s on me.”

Nods and grateful smiles followed. Though new, this Captain of the Guards, despite his noble birth, was approachable and loyal. He had quickly earned their respect.

Wiping sweat from his brow, Jiang Zhenyuan went to a corner to drink some water. The sky was a flawless blue, the clouds a translucent white, drifting as if suspended in midair. He squinted up at the gently trembling leaves in the branches overhead.

“There’s no wind—why are the leaves moving?”

“Because I, Rong Xian’er, am up in the tree,” came a voice.

Jiang Zhenyuan spun around. A beaming face greeted him from the foliage. She wore a green dress, half hidden among the leaves like a woodland sprite. Rong Xian’er swung her legs playfully. “Silly, don’t you recognize me?”

“Uh? How could I not recognize you, Little Rong Xian,” he blurted, flustered—had he really been staring at her in a daze?

“No unauthorized persons are allowed here. If you’re caught, it’ll be trouble. Little Rong Xian, you should leave.”

“No one will spot me if I stay up here, don’t worry.”

Jiang Zhenyuan vaulted up and sat beside her. “How did you know I was here?”

“Ming Chu told me. She’s so cute, and her smile is lovely—I really like her.”

“Cute? She’s all right, I suppose.”

“So, what did you want with me today?”

“I’m out of money and still craving noodles,” Rong Xian’er twirled her fingers, “so I thought of you.”

“Oh, right.” Jiang Zhenyuan tapped his forehead. “How forgetful of me. But I can’t leave until today’s training is done.”

He gestured to the men below, all of whom looked wilted from the sun.

Rong Xian’er marveled, “You command so many people—amazing! They call you ‘the Ever-Victorious General,’ but you’re still so young, so you’re the Little General, aren’t you?”

Jiang Zhenyuan waved her off. “Not a general, just a Captain of the Guards.”

Rong Xian’er chuckled. “I don’t care, I’ll still call you Little General—my Little General.”

“All right, all right—whatever you like,” he shrugged.

“Little General, it’s so hot and morale is low. Let me help you—let’s wrap up training early and go play together.” She patted his shoulder.

He eyed her curiously. “How will you help?”

“Just watch me.” Rong Xian’er winked.

Jiang Zhenyuan sat perfectly still, watching as she moved her fingers, swirling them lightly as something began to ripple outward like circles on water.

He rubbed his eyes, scarcely believing what he saw. Suddenly, tiny rings of light drifted from beneath his gaze, spiraling upward, and in a moment, they vanished into the bodies of the men below.

He recalled the illusions he’d witnessed the other day—Qi Liang was truly a land of marvels, and the one beside him was a bona fide night witch.

The men below seemed suddenly energized, their fatigue swept away in an instant.

Jiang Zhenyuan gave her a thumbs-up. “Little Rong Xian, you’re amazing, truly!” Then he asked, “How come I didn’t see you do this at the gambling house last time?” He wagged a finger. “I didn’t see any of those little rings, either.”

Rong Xian’er tilted her head back. “Last time, there were only a few people, so just a little effort was enough. This time, with so many, I had to use a lot more power. Ha!” She clutched her stomach, laughing. “Using great power—makes me sound like some legendary martial arts master.”

“A legendary master? One of those white-bearded, white-robed immortals hidden deep in the mountains?” Jiang Zhenyuan laughed as well.

“Idiot, that’s an immortal sage,” Rong Xian’er giggled, collapsing against him.

“Hush, Little Rong Xian, don’t laugh so loud—they’ll hear us.” He quickly covered her mouth.

“All right, all right,” she said, struggling to stifle her laughter, though a few stray giggles still escaped.